Russian tourist visa question

[Brian275]

Perhaps someone can help me out with this. I have a Russian fiance and we have an underage child together. (also a Russian citizen). And I want to get a multi-year Russian tourist visa (I'm an American and would be applying in the U.S.). I would stay with them in their apartment, but also travel around Russia some, as well. But, the consulate & Russian visa centre's website says: "Please note that according to the law visiting friends or family in Russia is a private purpose and in this case you must apply for a private visa".

I'm not exactly sure what this means. I have to get a private visa if the only thing I want to do is visit them? Or even if I also plan to travel around Russia? Of course, we will take trips around Russia some of the weeks I'm there. I hope, because of this, I am allowed to apply for a TOURIST visa instead. From my understanding, getting a Private Visa is much more difficult and takes much more time. Thanks for any help!

[Steveboy]

Perhaps someone can help me out with this. I have a Russian fiance and we have an underage child together. (also a Russian citizen). And I want to get a multi-year Russian tourist visa (I'm an American and would be applying in the U.S.). I would stay with them in their apartment, but also travel around Russia some, as well. But, the consulate & Russian visa centre's website says: "Please note that according to the law visiting friends or family in Russia is a private purpose and in this case you must apply for a private visa".

I'm not exactly sure what this means. I have to get a private visa if the only thing I want to do is visit them? Or even if I also plan to travel around Russia? Of course, we will take trips around Russia some of the weeks I'm there. I hope, because of this, I am allowed to apply for a TOURIST visa instead. From my understanding, getting a Private Visa is much more difficult and takes much more time. Thanks for any help!

A private visa is very easy to get.. I think it is valid for 3 years..

I have heard of people being refused a visa and entry into Russia on a tourist visa when they have family living in Russia..I mean your basically visiting family? So its a private visa.

Aaaa your not married yet? Not exactly sure then..

[Guile]

Americans can get a 3 year tourist visa. You just have to leave the country every 6 months, could be for a day.

[Brian275]

You're right, not married yet.

[yankee]

Every time that I have visited Russia, before and after marriage, was with a private visa.

[Steveboy]

Every time that I have visited Russia, before and after marriage, was with a private visa.

They have simplified the private visa now.. so pretty easy to make with little documents..

[mitspilot]

Every time that I have visited Russia, before and after marriage, was with a private visa.

They have simplified the private visa now.. so pretty easy to make with little documents..

Does the private visa grant essentially the same privileges as the tourist visa? I think I understand that we're supposed to get a private visa if we're visiting family and/or not going solely as a tourist, but are they essentially the same as far as what you can do with them?

[Steveboy]

Every time that I have visited Russia, before and after marriage, was with a private visa.

They have simplified the private visa now.. so pretty easy to make with little documents..

Does the private visa grant essentially the same privileges as the tourist visa? I think I understand that we're supposed to get a private visa if we're visiting family and/or not going solely as a tourist, but are they essentially the same as far as what you can do with them?

Yeah pretty well Im not sure how it works in the US but for example the UK tourist visa will only give entry into Russia twice (Though I think that is about to change) UK private visa gives multiple entry for 12 months and stay as long as you want in the 12 month.

Probably for the US it makes no difference and both your able to do the same, but I have heard of people being refused a tourist visa or entry into Russia cos they got a kid in Russia and should of gone the Private visa way..I think tourist and private visa for the US is 3 years, basically you can live here with that , we got a neighbour next floor up who does exactly that..

[Brian275]

Thanks to all of you for your help. I really appreciate it! And I'm glad to hear that it's an easier process (at least for those from the UK. I would think so for US citizens, too).

[2tallbill]

Does the private visa grant essentially the same privileges as the tourist visa? I think
I understand that we're supposed to get a private visa if we're visiting family and/or
not going solely as a tourist, but are they essentially the same as far as what you
can do with them?

They have eliminated tourist visa's (at least temporarily). HOWEVER, they have private
visa's for those with family in Russia. They are not as easy to get these days in the USA.

I have had my application sent back to me because NO SH!T comma's were in the
wrong f#cking place!!! !

[mitspilot]

Does the private visa grant essentially the same privileges as the tourist visa? I think
I understand that we're supposed to get a private visa if we're visiting family and/or
not going solely as a tourist, but are they essentially the same as far as what you
can do with them?

They have eliminated tourist visa's (at least temporarily). HOWEVER, they have private
visa's for those with family in Russia. They are not as easy to get these days in the USA.

I have had my application sent back to me because NO SH!T comma's were in the
wrong f#cking place!!! !

Yeah, that's ridiculous. I guess they gotta earn their keep.

I just got a visa through TravelDocs.com. I am 95% sure I applied for and received a tourist visa.  It took a week and a half from application. It is good for 3 years.

With your multiple trips to FSU, 2TB, you know 100x more than I. I'm just relating my recent experience.

[2tallbill]

Yeah, that's ridiculous. I guess they gotta earn their keep.

I finally got my multi year private visa. I was frustrated when I wrote my
previous post on this.

[justadude]

Does the private visa grant essentially the same privileges as the tourist visa? I think
I understand that we're supposed to get a private visa if we're visiting family and/or
not going solely as a tourist, but are they essentially the same as far as what you
can do with them?

What was the total cost? Can you briefly outline the steps?

They have eliminated tourist visa's (at least temporarily). HOWEVER, they have private
visa's for those with family in Russia. They are not as easy to get these days in the USA.

I have had my application sent back to me because NO SH!T comma's were in the
wrong f#cking place!!! !

Yeah, that's ridiculous. I guess they gotta earn their keep.

I just got a visa through TravelDocs.com. I am 95% sure I applied for and received a tourist visa.  It took a week and a half from application. It is good for 3 years.

With your multiple trips to FSU, 2TB, you know 100x more than I. I'm just relating my recent experience.

[mitspilot]

JAD-

I'll reply here as your question asked in the other thread was about getting a Russian Visa. As I mentioned above, I used travel docs.com to assist with the process of getting my visa. They helped me complete my application by making sure I answered all the questions correctly and didn't miss anything. Then, they had me print off my application, sign it and overnight it to them with my passport. They took over from there. They took my passport and paperwork to the Russian embassy in Houston TX and completed the application process. About a week later, I was approved. The Russian embassy added the visa stamp to my passport and travel docs.com picked it up and overnighted it to me. It was very easy.

[justadude]

JAD-

I'll reply here as your question asked in the other thread was about getting a Russian Visa. As I mentioned above, I used travel docs.com to assist with the process of getting my visa. They helped me complete my application by making sure I answered all the questions correctly and didn't miss anything. Then, they had me print off my application, sign it and overnight it to them with my passport. They took over from there. They took my passport and paperwork to the Russian embassy in Houston TX and completed the application process. About a week later, I was approved. The Russian embassy added the visa stamp to my passport and travel docs.com picked it up and overnighted it to me. It was very easy.

Thanks for that. How much did you pay them? Did you pay up front? In my case I guess they would send it to the embassy in Kiev. I don't know if that would be complicated by the political tension. I guess I can apply and see what happens.

[mitspilot]

I paid $382 for their expedited, premium service. This included FedEx Priority Overnight shipping for the return documents. You can do it for less, I think their base price is $159.

Traveldocs appears to only work with the US Embassies in Houston, Washington and New York. You would have to send your passport to them and they walk it over to the Embassy and file the application on your behalf. I don't think they work with foreign US embassy office, but I could be wrong.

I don't see why you couldn't file here in the US. You don't have to personally appear. I am assuming you are a US citizen. The downside to doing it here in the US is the added time and expense of sending your passport and documents to and from.

Give traveldocs a call and they can tell you how it all works out.

Good luck!

[AvHdB]

Does the private visa grant essentially the same privileges as the tourist visa? I think
I understand that we're supposed to get a private visa if we're visiting family and/or
not going solely as a tourist, but are they essentially the same as far as what you
can do with them?

They have eliminated tourist visa's (at least temporarily). HOWEVER, they have private
visa's for those with family in Russia. They are not as easy to get these days in the USA.

I have had my application sent back to me because NO SH!T comma's were in the
wrong f#cking place!!! !

Another victim of the Oxford comma’s!

[justadude]

I paid $382 for their expedited, premium service. This included FedEx Priority Overnight shipping for the return documents. You can do it for less, I think their base price is $159.

Traveldocs appears to only work with the US Embassies in Houston, Washington and New York. You would have to send your passport to them and they walk it over to the Embassy and file the application on your behalf. I don't think they work with foreign US embassy office, but I could be wrong.

I don't see why you couldn't file here in the US. You don't have to personally appear. I am assuming you are a US citizen. The downside to doing it here in the US is the added time and expense of sending your passport and documents to and from.

Give traveldocs a call and they can tell you how it all works out.

Good luck!

Thanks so much for the info. I'm not inclined to send my passport to the US from Eastern Europe. I will try to find a similar service that can do it here. Your information is helpful! When are you planning to visit?

[AvHdB]

Perhaps you should contact Stirlitz in Odessa. He served in the army at border crossings and knows the ins and outs well.

Also is a motor head. He is not so active on RUA presently.

[Manny]

I'm not inclined to send my passport to the US from Eastern Europe.

I'm sure it would be fine if you used Fedex or a similar international courier. There's no customs scrutiny on documents.

[Dogsoldier]

I'm not inclined to send my passport to the US from Eastern Europe.

I'm sure it would be fine if you used Fedex or a similar international courier. There's no customs scrutiny on documents.

 

[Danchik]

I will try to find a similar service that can do it here.

You should be able to do it in Odesa, but if it's a problem, I know for sure you can find a place in Kiev.

Years ago when I had to deal with the Russian Embassy in Kiev, I used a service located right across the street from the embassy who catered to foreigners.

Not sure if they're still around, but again, shouldn't be a problem for you to find a reputable service in Kiev at the very least.

If push comes to shove, below is a good quality service I have used many times in the past located in Moscow. They speak English and will answer any question you have and can ship everything to you by email and UPS wherever you are.
https://www.visahouse.com/en/neworder/index/